Australian Recording Artists Make
ARIA Chart History

In a history making year for local music artists, a record number
of Australian performers were honoured today at the annual ARIA
No. 1 CHART AWARDS in Sydney. Thirteen Australian
performers, some with multiple entries at the No. 1 position, were
recognised for their achievements in front of members of ARIA (Australian
Record Industry Association) and the media at a special presentation
designed to raise public awareness of Australian artists.

While they have all achieved the coveted No. 1 position on either
the ARIA Singles or Album chart (or both) in the past year*, this
group of artists is the most varied in recent history - a tribute
to the rich diversity of the Australian music landscape.

Together they have racked up the unprecedented number of 20 separate
entries at No. 1 on either the ARIA Album or Singles charts in the
period from August 4th, 2003 to August 2nd, 2004. This includes the
first album, 'One Determined Heart', by Paulini which made its debut
at No. 1 yesterday. This is the greatest number of Australian artists
hitting the No. 1 position in any 12 month period in the 21 year history
of the ARIA Chart.

Some artists have achieved No.1 Chart success on both the ARIA single
and album charts. Delta Goodrem, Shannon Noll, Guy Sebastian and Paulini
have achieved this feat in the past 12 months. The Hillsong Church
album 'For All You've Done' marks the first time in Australian chart
history that a Christian recording artist has held the No. 1 position
in this country. Kylie Minogue officially holds the record for the
most singles at # 1 in the 21 year history of the ARIA chart
with a total of nine. And after a career spanning 15 years, Spiderbait
have had their first ever No. 1 hit single with 'Black Betty'.

"It is great to see so many Australian Number 1 artists this
year. The wide musical styles covered by the artists and the
very long periods the records have charted is a very special feature
as well and highlights what a great year it has been for Australian
music. These artists and their labels have really connected with the
Australian public and the recognition today through the ARIA No. 1
Awards is well and truly deserved," said Denis Handlin,
ARIA Chairman and Sony Music Chairman & CEO.

This is the
3rd year that ARIA has held the ARIA No. 1 CHART AWARDS
. Not only does it recognise the achievements of
Australian recording artists but the skills of Australian record companies
who helped get their artists to the coveted No.1 position.

John O'Donnell, Managing Director, EMI Australia and Chairman ARIA
Chart and Marketing Committee - "It has been arguably the
best year ever for Australian music, as the unprecedented number of
releases that have hit # 1 testifies. From pop to rock to country
to blues & roots to emo-art-rock, the Australian public has embraced
its own like never before and reminded all of us of the power of great
songs and great artists."